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Orioles SP Chris Tillman excels at controlling running game

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

Orioles starting pitcher Chris Tillman has allowed only two stolen bases in 13 attempts since the start of the 2013 season, per MASNsports.com. His ability to hold runners pleases manager Buck Showalter, who wants his pitchers to control the running game.

"When Buck came I focused on it," Tillman said. "Before, I didn't really pay all that much attention to it. Just try to make the best pitch that I can and whatever happens with the runner happens with the runner. But once he put the video in front of us and the stats in front of us about runners advancing another 90 feet, as a pitcher that's everything.

"You're trying to limit the baserunners from getting into scoring position and they're a single away from scoring and I think when you're able to lock down the running game and focus on making your pitches, it's a whole other tool in the toolbox, especially with the catchers we have. John Russell is one of the best catching coaches in the game, and working with (Matt) Wieters and (Nick) Hundley and Caleb (Joseph) last season, we have a lot of stuff on our side."

Orioles starting pitcher Chris Tillman confirmed Wednesday there is mutual interest between him and the team regarding a long-term contract. Tillman is in his first year of arbitration and is under team control through the 2017 season.

“I think it’s smart to listen, and I think it’s dumb not to,” Tillman said, per The Baltimore Sun. “You weigh all the options and go with it. I don’t know a whole lot about it, to tell you the truth. My agent called me about it, and I told him, ‘You know what? Call me back when you know something.’ That’s not me. I’m day to day. I roll with the flow.

“I let my guys do their job, and that’s what they’re there for. I can listen to older guys and that’s really all I can do. Would I like to be with these guys and be their teammates for a while? You’re [darn] right I would. We have a good team, a fun team and I enjoy it here.”

The 26-year-old Tillman is 38-16 with a 3.42 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 82 starts since 2012.

Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette said there's "mutual interest" in working out a contract extension with pitcher Chris Tillman, reports MASN Sports.

Tillman, 21, is first-year arbitration eligible and the undisputed opening day starter for the Orioles, at the moment. He has gone 29-13 with a 3.52 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP over the previous two seasons, exceeding 200 innings in both seasons.